GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Police say a man broke into a family’s Gainesville apartment, but he didn’t come through the door or a window; he broke through the wall.
Investigators say Obed Reyes, 29, broke through the closet wall of a neighboring apartment and got into the home.
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The victim, a 15-year-old girl, was home with her 5-year-old and 7-year-old family members when Reyes was suddenly inside their apartment.
They say Reyes grabbed the girl by her hair and began punching her several times. She was able to escape into the breezeway, but Reyes continued attacking her, police say.
Witnesses told police they saw him dragging her by her hair and hitting her while she screamed for help.
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During the attack, Reyes is also accused of threatening to rape her.
Police say he also lived in the Summit St. apartment complex, but the two did not know one another.
Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco spoke to neighbors who say they’re now scared to be in their own homes.
“You’re not supposed to be scared in your home, either,” said Miranda McKeown. “I have two small children. A lot of kids are in the neighborhood, so it’s very concerning.”
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish called the teen courageous and praised neighbors for watching out for her.
“The victim has a long road of recovery ahead following such traumatic events, and we hope our community can surround her with that support,” said Parrish.
Reyes is currently being held in the Hall County Jail on charges of burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping and two counts of cruelty to children.
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